Discover how injured parrots are rehabilitated at the Echo conservation center and then hike through a reforested area looking for yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots. As an introduction to the island’s natural wonders, you will take a circuitous route to the center, driving along the ocean, and on to Goto Lake, where you may spot flamingos. You will delve deeper into the challenges of protecting Bonaire’s birds, especially parrots, when touring the center with a naturalist. It will be inspiring to see how the birds are rescued, rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild. To enhance your experience and understanding of Bonaire’s endangered Amazon parrots, you will follow the naturalist into a replanted section of dry forest looking for these magnificent birds. Chunky and brightly colored, they are easy to identify. The birds are usually seen in pairs that remain monogamous throughout their lives, which typically last about 40 years on Bonaire.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a conservation center that rehabilitates yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots.
• Hike through a replanted forest looking for parrots with a naturalist guide.
• Admire Bonaire’s extraordinary natural beauty on a panoramic drive around the island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable trekking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Learn to handroll a premium cigar at a factory that has been producing them for decades and sample a selection of rums inspired by the life of Ernest Hemingway. While touring the Hemingway Rum Company distillery, you will discover how the ingredients are sourced and processed to produce a variety of rums that capture the bold spirit of Hemingway. You will then settle in for a tasting of rums, which may include a complex dark one, another finished in a sherry cask and an unusual blonde rum. A short walk will bring you to the family-owned Rodriquez Cigar Factory, the oldest such manufacturer in the Florida Keys. On the eye-opening, behind-the-scenes tour, you will observe the art of hand-rolling a cigar and then try it yourself while enjoying a sample of Cuban coffee. You may be surprised by the skill involved in producing a tightly rolled cigar that burns evenly.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a distillery that produces bold rums that reflect the spirit of Ernest Hemingway.
• Sample a selection of rums with distinctive tasting notes and unexpected finishes.
• Watch skilled artisans hand-roll cigars in a family-owned cigar factory.
• Savor a sample of Cuban coffee while trying your hand at rolling a cigar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride across the island in an open-air Jeep to a natural pool along the sea and a cave adorned with centuries-old pictographs. You will enjoy uninterrupted views of the gorgeous countryside as you travel through Aruba’s rugged interior, often on roads only accessible in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The seaside pool lies within the Arikok National Park, an environmentally protected wonderland that covers nearly 20% of the island. It will be immensely relaxing to ease into the crystal-clear waters of the secluded pool, which fills a bowl-like depression in the volcanically formed shoreline. Nearby, you will explore Fontein Cave, whose limestone walls are covered with reddish-brown drawings – some floor-to-ceiling – that the indigenous Arawaks created long ago. Anthropologists speculate that the artists may have been under the influence of psychedelics. To experience a weird sensation yourself, dip your feet into the freshwater pool nearby and enjoy a fish pedicure of sorts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Aruba’s rugged interior, often on roads only suitable for a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the volcanically formed terrain, which at times is desert-like.
• Relax in a natural pool along the sea in the Arikok National Park.
• View centuries-old pictographs that the Arawaks drew in the depths of Fontein Cave.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak along beautiful mangrove-lined Camana Bay and spend free time in the waterfront town of the same name. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a two-seat kayak and follow the guide into the bay. The mangroves are protected because of their environmental benefits. You will notice that the exposed intertwined roots of the mangroves form a protective cage of sorts above the water, which provides an ideal breeding area for fish and other marine life. Mangroves also stabilize the coastline and filter the water, keeping it crystal-clear. It makes for a wonderfully serene setting. Be sure to look for wildlife, especially birds that find shelter in the thick mangroves. Upon arriving in the town of Camana Bay in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, you will be free to explore on your own. The shopping is excellent in this delightful setting with a New Urbanism design.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak through environmentally protected Camana Bay, which is lined with mangrove forests.
• Enjoy the serenity of the setting while looking for wildlife that thrives in the mangroves.
• Explore the town of Camana Bay, which features an appealing New Urbanism design.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snorkel into Key West's most popular attraction; the reef and crystal-blue waters surrounding our island paradise. For almost three decades visitors and locals alike have chosen Fury Catamarans to snorkel Key West's nearby reef. Your sailing adventure begins as you board one of Fury's state-of-the-art catamarans, part of the largest and most luxurious catamaran fleet in the Florida Keys. Feel the excitement as you sail to North America's only living coral reef, where the wonders of Mother Nature await you. During your trip, unlimited sodas and water will be served. Complimentary beer and wine are served after snorkeling.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a look at local life by interacting with the fun-loving residents of Monkeyland and by visiting a typical Dominican home. Two families of squirrel monkeys live in the Monkeyland nature reserve, where they spend most of the day in the trees, although not high in the canopy. Unlike other New World monkeys that use their prehensile tails to grasp tree limbs, squirrel monkeys rely on their remarkably human-like hands and powerful feet to hold on. You will see them leaping about the trees, and they will likely come down for you to hand-feed them. If you encourage them, the squirrel monkeys will climb up on your shoulder. They are exceptionally social, highly intelligent and quite vocal as they communicate through dozens of calls such as barks, purrs and squawks. You will also see how many Dominicans live by dropping by a traditional house at Monkeyland for a cup of organic coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact up-close with the gregarious squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland.
• Gain an understanding of their social behavior and high intelligence.
• Enjoy a cup of organic coffee in a traditional Dominican home at Monkeyland.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Let loose at the Cumayasa Adventure Park by participating in all sorts of thrilling activities, most of them taking place high above the ground. You will be briefed on how to make the most of your adventures, which include walking across several rope-and-wood suspension bridges. Although you will be harnessed in during the crossings, the bridges typically sway in the wind and with every step, so be prepared for a breathtaking experience. The park also features a course of seven double-cable ziplines, allowing you to fly through the tree canopy for an entire mile. Along the way and while pausing on the elevated platforms between the ziplines, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the tropical surroundings. You will also have the opportunity to walk through the park’s Hurricane House, a vertigo-inducing but fun carnival-like attraction that makes you feel like you’re moving even when standing still.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an epic day participating in exhilarating activities at an adventure park.
• Race through the tree canopy on a series of ziplines that stretch over one mile.
• Walk across swaying suspension bridges and through the eerie Hurricane House.
• Marvel at the lush natural surroundings from high above the ground.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

When Christopher Columbus arrived in Jamaica in 1494, the Spanish settlers established a capital and called it New Seville in homage to the celebrated Spanish city of the same name. Your tour will take you through St. Ann’s Bay, a town juxtaposed with the spot where Jamaica’s first capital once stood. St. Ann’s Bay boasts a statue of Columbus which you’ll see during your drive through town. The drive along the coast will take you through Runaway Bay where some of the last Spanish settlers fled after the British captured the island. After a scenic drive passing seascapes and mountain ranges you’ll arrive at your destination, the Martha Brae River.

Your raft Captain will tell you the tale of Martha Brae, the magical Indian maiden whom the Spanish colonists tortured to reveal the location of a secret gold mine. She ultimately succumbed to her tormentors and led them to the mine. En route Martha summoned her magical powers to transform the river, drowning the Spanish soldiers and herself as well. Legend says that her ghost still guards the entrance to the mine to this day. Ponder the legend as you glide downstream this 90 minute tranquil river ride.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilds of southwestern Antigua in a 4x4 vehicle on an off-road adventure that includes time to relax at a secluded beach. After a briefing and demonstration to familiarize you with the open-air buggy – a 2-seat Utility Terrain Vehicle – you will head off caravan-style into the countryside in Saint Mary Parish. You can either drive or ride along as a passenger. Either way, it will be a thrill, especially once you leave the paved highway. The circuitous route will take you through fields and farmland, over rolling hills and into marshy swamps where the mud will be flying high off the tires. Along the way, you will pause at particularly scenic outlooks such as the cliffside one near Old Road Village that overlooks the sea and the island of Montserrat. In time, you will arrive at a remote beach to relax and take a refreshing swim if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive your own 2-seat UTV through the countryside or ride along as a passenger.
• Follow an off-road route through farmland, over hills and into muddy terrain.
• Pause at picturesque lookouts that present the natural beauty of southwestern Antigua.
• Spend a bit of free time relaxing at a secluded beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take the helm of your own Rigid Inflatable Boat or RIB and zip through the turquoise waters off the northern coast of Tortola to Guana Island. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will follow the guide in a two-person RIB. You can be the captain or ride along as the passenger. The choice is yours. Either way, it will be exhilarating as you race through the sea caravan-style toward Guana Island, most of which is a natural reserve. Along the way, you might pause for the guide to point out and describe the highlights of other islands. You will disembark on White Bay, the longest stretch of sand on privately owned Guana Island, which is supposedly named for a promontory that resembles an iguana’s head. You might bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim and do most anything else that comes to mind.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the sea off Tortola in a two-person Rigid Inflatable Boat or RIB.
• Captain the RIB or ride along as the passenger.
• Spend free time relaxing on the longest beach on the natural paradise Guana Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail on the state-of-the art sleek sailing catamaran to discover the picturesque coastline of Antigua and experience Antiguan hospitality with sparkling wine and local pineapple! Then spend time on one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches. You will be met at the ship by your tour guide and escorted a few yards to your awaiting sleek sailing catamaran and expert, courteous and knowledgeable crew. From here you will embark on an exhilarating enjoyable boat ride where you will hug the north-western coastline and see Fort James, secluded beaches, 5* hotels, exclusive homes and with interesting narration. There will be an open bar where you can enjoy sparkling wine, rum punch, beers, water and soft drinks served with fresh local pineapple and tuna and cheese finger sandwiches. You will then be taken to one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches for a stop to have a swim, walk the beach or simply relax before we take you back to your ship through the blue Caribbean waters and have another opportunity to soak up the Caribbean sun and see the Antiguan north-west coast line. This is an opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean as it used to be; peaceful and tranquil yet available for as much fun as you want to make. Take a boat ride, enjoy local Antiguan pineapple with sparkling wine, enjoy drinks from the open bar and visit one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches; enjoy the tour prepared by people who know Antigua and Caribbean the best and simply relax. And don’t forget your swimsuit, towels and camera to record wonderful memories!

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snorkel the turquoise waters off Blue Bay Beach and relax however you please on this beautiful stretch of sand. You will likely see an ever-changing parade of marine life, which is just one of the reasons that this is one of Curaçao’s most popular snorkeling sites. You may spot brightly colored queen triggerfish, red-striped squirrelfish and brilliant blue tangs. Spiny lobsters are often seen hiding among the coral reefs and on occasion hawksbill turtles swim by. The biodiversity is spectacular with marine species ranging from large white-spotted eagle rays to the teeniest of sea horses. It will be easy to find a comfortable depth for snorkeling because the sea floor slopes gently from the beach. If you wish to rest while snorkeling, feel free to lounge about the beach and stroll along the shore.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Behold the underwater wonders while snorkeling off Blue Bay Beach.
• Marvel at the marine biodiversity, the schools of colorful fish and perhaps even a sea turtle.
• Relax on Blue Bay Beach as an alternative to snorkeling the entire time.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.